GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes šŸ¢’ Pontiac šŸ¢’ 2006 šŸ¢’ Vibe - FWD šŸ¢’ Transmission/Transaxle šŸ¢’ Automatic Transmission - MU4 šŸ¢’ Front Axle Shaft Seal Replacement

Tools Required

    ā€¢ J 26941 Pinion Shaft and Countergear Bearing Cup Remover
    ā€¢ J 23907 Slide Hammer
    ā€¢ J 36850 Transmission Assembly Lubricant
    ā€¢ J 42176 Universal Driver Handle
    ā€¢ J 42176-10 Driver Handle Extension
    ā€¢ J 46007 Wheel Drive Axle Seal Installer

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Place a drain pan or suitable container under the transaxle differential drain plug.

    3. Object Number: 870108 Size: SH
  3. Remove the differential drain plug from the transaxle and drain the transaxle fluid.
  4. To service the left oil seal, remove the left splash shield from the vehicle. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Left Side in Body Front End.
  5. To service the right oil seal, remove the right splash shield from the vehicle. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Right Side in Body Front End.
  6. Remove the front tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  7. Remove the drive axle from the vehicle. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.

    8. Object Number: 242944 Size: SH
  8. Remove the drive axle shaft seal (1) from the transaxle using J 26941 with J 23907 .
  9. Inspect the differential-side joint surface of the drive axle assembly where the drive axle makes contact with the drive axle shaft seal.

    10. The surface should be smooth and free of any burrs or scarring which may damage the drive axle shaft fluid seal.

    If damage to the differential-side joint is evident, replace the differential-side joint.

Installation Procedure
  1. Using J 46007 andJ 42176-10 and J 42176 , install the new drive axle shaft seal into the transaxle.
  2. Apply J 36850 to the new drive axle shaft seal lip.
  3. Install the drive axle into the vehicle. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  4. Install the front tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  5. Install the left splash shield on the vehicle, if removed. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Left Side in Body Front End.
  6. Install the right splash shield on the vehicle, if removed. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Right Side in Body Front End.

    7. Object Number: 870108 Size: SH
  7. Install the transaxle differential drain plug.

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the drain plug to 17 NĀ·m (13 lb ft).

  8. Lower the vehicle.
  9. Refill the transaxle, as necessary.